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Are you curious about the role of Medical Affairs in Independent Medical Education (IME)? Perhaps you're struggling to demonstrate the value and impact of your programs in a way that resonates with IME teams.
IME is evolving. Today’s episode with IME expert Nancy Paynter discusses the pivotal role of IME within the broader scope of medical affairs and provides valuable insights to help you effectively communicate your initiative's impact to IME personnel.
By tuning in, you'll discover:
The concept of the "scientific journey" for clinicians
How IME is focused on digitizing data on clinical and patient decision-making
What the evolution of IME within Medical Affairs means for CME/CPD.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving role of IME and medical affairs and their strategic priorities.
Takeaways
1. Independent Medical Education is becoming more closely integrated with medical affairs, aligning with broader organizational goals and cross-functional partnerships.
2. Medical affairs teams use the four-stage "scientific journey" framework to plan their engagement strategies and meet clinicians where they are in their understanding and adoption of new evidence. The stages include Awareness, Agreement, Adoption, and Advocacy.
3. CME can support the scientific journey while maintaining independence by conducting root cause analyses of practice and care gaps, employing data-driven strategies, and adapting educational materials based on real-time feedback and learner outcomes. By doing so, CME is well-positioned to serve as a strategic partner to IME in driving meaningful educational outcomes.
Resources
Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS)
Industry reports from McKinsey and Deloitte discuss the evolving role of Medical Affairs
Moore's Outcomes Framework
Connect with Nancy Paynter, Strategic Adviser, Life Science Industry
[email protected]
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:56 What medical affairs is and how it’s evolving
05:58 Understanding Independent Medical Education (IME)
10:48 Transformation in IME work within medical affairs
19:20 Pharma company thinking about the scientific journey and how accredited CME can support it
23:12 Use of Moore's framework in medical education
28:10 How CME can partner with medical affairs
30:48 Accredited CME professionals communicating touch points with IME counterparts
33:09 Nancy’s final thoughts
37:39 Key takeaways from episode 118
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Are you struggling to keep your clinical audience engaged and invested in your CME content?
In today's fast-paced, information-overloaded world, medical writers face the daunting challenge of capturing and maintaining their readers' attention. This episode explores how you can leverage proven storytelling techniques to create compelling, memorable CME content that resonates with your target audience.
Discover how to structure your content using powerful storytelling frameworks that build anticipation and drive home your key messages.
Learn how to hook your reader with compelling openers, incorporate patient and clinician voices, and make the "so what" crystal clear.
Gain insights into adapting storytelling structures to your CME content.
Tune in and unlock the secrets to becoming a master CME storyteller, ready to captivate and inspire your clinical audience like never before!
Resources
StoryBrand
Think Faster Talk Smarter by Matt Abrahams
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
02:55 Crafting compelling CME content: Exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution
05:36 Storybrand
08:30 Other storytelling frameworks
12:09 My challenge for you
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Are you curious about how artificial intelligence and chatbots are revolutionizing continuing medical education (CME) and transforming the way clinicians learn?
As a CME professional, you constantly seek innovative ways to create engaging and effective educational experiences for your clinician audience. Staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements, such as AI and chatbots, is crucial to address the specific knowledge gaps and practice needs of busy healthcare providers.
This episode will provide valuable insights on using these cutting-edge tools to enhance your CME programs.
1. Discover how AI-powered chatbots can provide clinicians with personalized, real-time answers to their clinical questions, while seamlessly integrating with validated educational content.
2. Learn how to use data from chatbot interactions to identify knowledge gaps, trending topics, and urgent educational needs, enabling you to create more targeted and impactful CME programs.
3. Gain a deeper understanding of the future of AI in CME, including the potential of machine learning to predict learner gaps and deliver need-specific education, as well as the challenges and opportunities of using generative AI to create customized content.
Tune in to hear Alana Brody MBA, CHCP, Executive Director, Vice President of Strategic Educational Design, and David Setiadi, Chief Technology Officer at Projects in Knowledge Powered by Kaplan, share their expertise on how AI and chatbots can help you create cutting-edge, engaging, and effective CME experiences for your clinician audience!
Takeaways
1. It’s possible to use AI-powered chatbots in your CME programs to provide clinicians with a quick and reliable way to get their clinical questions answered at the point of care. Over time, you can build and maintain a cycle of trust with clinicians, ensuring they can rely on the technology for efficient and effective patient care.
2. You can use data from chatbot interactions to gain valuable insights into your learners' knowledge gaps, educational needs, and trending topics.
3. Pay attention to copyright compliance and privacy. To safeguard the rights of original publishers, you’ll need to verify that the information provided through chatbots is copyright compliant and establish protocols to ensure that all learner data is deidentified to ensure privacy.
Connect with Alana
[email protected]
Website
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
01:54 Exploring what chatbots are and how they have entered the CME space
02:47 How chatbots compare with other point-of-care tools
04:30 Lifting the hood into the processes they use to send the learner in the right direction
06:01 The continuous process of updating all the content
06:39 How they’re using the data gathered
09:40 User engagement and interaction with chatbots
12:23 The ecosystem: how they pull learners in, analyzing qualitative data and privacy
16:36 How learners find the chatbot
20:06 How they handle volumes of qualitative data
23:08 The future of the chatbot: Traditional AI vs Generative AI
29:11 Final thoughts: Leveraging AI for personalized learning in CME
32:20 Key takeaways from episode 116
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Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and frustrated when searching for relevant studies on PubMed for your medical writing projects?
As a medical writer, you know that conducting a comprehensive literature review is crucial for delivering high-quality work to your clients and audiences. However, the process can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if you don't have a clear strategy. This episode of Monday Mentor will provide you with the tools and techniques you need to streamline your literature review process and find the most relevant, high-quality studies to inform your work.
Listen in to gain:
Best practices for efficiently searching databases like PubMed
Steps to find the most relevant and high-quality sources.
Tools and resources to stay organized and produce a rigorous literature review
Tune in now to discover how you can elevate your literature review skills and deliver stronger, more valuable work to your clients and audiences!
Takeaways
1. Defining your research question or objectives is crucial for guiding your search strategy and ensuring a focused, efficient literature review process. Before diving into your literature search, take the time to clearly articulate your research question or objectives using frameworks like PICO, SPIDER, or PEO.
2. Using a combination of keyword searches, subject heading/index term searches (like MeSH terms), and database filters can help you capture a wide range of potentially relevant sources while narrowing down your results. Familiarize yourself with the search functionalities and controlled vocabularies of databases like PubMed, and experiment with different combinations of keywords, subject headings, and filters to optimize your search results.
3. Leveraging citation management tools, note-taking techniques, and reporting guidelines can help you stay organized, maintain transparency, and produce a rigorous literature review. Explore and implement tools like EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley for citation management, and develop a structured note-taking system (e.g., literature matrices or apps like Notion or Roam Research) to synthesize and report your findings effectively.
Resources
NYU Libraries Literature Search Template
Literature Review Typologies
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:47 Defining the research question
03:43 Establishing search terms
06:17 Exploring various databases
10:30 Grey literature sources
13:32 Additional search techniques
15:07 Tools and resources that can help you
20:28 The power of literature reviews
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Virginia Chachati is a pharmacist turned medical writer who embarked on her freelance journey after moving to Germany in 2020. Inspired by the need to work remotely and make a living online, Virginia started a travel health blog that caught a client's attention on Upwork. Despite being underpaid for her valuable work, this experience motivated her to create a community of medical writers focused on fair compensation and support. Virginia established a presence on LinkedIn, where a medical communications agency found and recruited her. Now a full-time freelancer, Virginia enjoys the flexibility of working from home while being able to travel back to the UK for work and family visits.
Join us as Virginia shares her insights on building a thriving medical writing career.
1. Learn how to identify and attract high-quality clients who value your skills and expertise
2. Discover the power of community in setting fair rates and supporting your professional growth
Connect with Virginia
LinkedIn
Resources
Free 61 tips Ebook for medical writers
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
02:10 Virginia’s journey into medical writing
04:02 Her experience with Upwork
06:31 Being picky about clients
08:29 Importance of writers knowing their worth and setting ground rules
12:56 The power of community in medical writing and solving the problem of Upwork
17:52 Setting fair value in medical writing
21:56 The future of medical writing: AI and social media
26:15 Takeaways from today’s conversation with Virginia
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Are you measuring CME outcomes effectively or just tacking them on at the end?
If you're involved in developing, measuring and reporting on CME outcomes, you know it's become an expected part of the process. But many CME providers still struggle with integrating outcomes throughout program design and implementation. This leads to poor practices like tacking on outcomes at the end, writing vague questions, and creating reports that fail to tell a compelling story. To truly demonstrate the value and impact of your education, outcomes measurement needs to be woven in from the very beginning.
In episode 113 of Write Medicine Wendy Cerenzia and Emily Belcher of CE Outcomes share their hard-won insights on outcomes measurements. Tune in to:
1. Learn why and how to integrate outcomes planning into the earliest stages of educational design
2. Discover tips for writing effective outcomes questions that align with learning objectives and avoid common pitfalls
3. Understand what makes a compelling outcomes report that ties the story together for stakeholders
Ready to uplevel your outcomes game?
Takeaways
1. Outcomes measurement must be integrated from the beginning of educational planning and design, not tacked on at the end. Take action today by reviewing your process for integrating outcomes measurement into educational design. This will help you identify opportunities to involve outcomes experts earlier.
2. Effective outcomes questions align with learning objectives, avoid vagueness and confusing options, and consider the target audience, education format, and intended data use. Work with your faculty to carefully craft outcomes questions that align with objectives and will yield meaningful data. And consider pilot testing questions.
3. A compelling outcomes report ties the story together by connecting program goals, educational design, key findings, and important learnings. When you are writing your next outcomes report, challenge yourself to weave a coherent narrative that demonstrates the "why" behind the education and interprets the data to extract relevant insights. Focus on clearly communicating the impact and value.
Connect with Wendy and Emily
CE Outcomes
[email protected]
Emily Belcher, Director of Research and Analytics: [email protected]
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
1:05 Measuring Continuing Medical Education Outcomes
2:46 Current State of Outcomes in CME and CPD
5:58 Poor Practices in Measuring Outcomes
10:13 Root Cause of Not Starting with the End in Mind
10:26 Outcomes Standardization Project
18:07 Importance of Internal Consistency in Definitions
19:19 Effectiveness of Outcomes Measurement Frameworks
22:21 Expectations from Supporters in Outcomes Reporting
26:45 Cautious Approach to Using AI in Outcomes Analysis
31:36 Elements of a Good Outcome Story
34:45 Future Directions in Outcomes Analysis and Reporting
38:24 Three Takeaways and Action Steps from Episode 113
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Are you struggling to find the most relevant papers for your medical writing projects on PubMed?
You know the importance of having a solid research foundation when working on medical writing projects like clinical practice guidelines, grant proposals, or CME materials. But searching databases like PubMed can feel like falling down a rabbit hole, leaving you frustrated and unsure if you've found the most pertinent literature. This episode of Monday Mentor will help you understand what literature reviews are and how to choose the right type of review for your project, setting you up for more efficient and effective database searches.
Listen to this episode to discover:
1. The essential purposes and elements of a well-crafted literature review
2. How literature reviews inform a wide range of medical writing projects
3. The different types of literature reviews and when to use each one
Tune in now to learn how to master the art of the literature review and take your medical writing to the next level!
Takeaways
Here are three key takeaways from this episode of Monday Mentor:
1. Literature reviews are essential for providing context, identifying gaps, and synthesizing evidence to support various medical writing projects, from clinical practice guidelines to grant proposals and CME materials.
2. Different types of literature reviews serve different purposes and follow distinct methodologies, such as narrative reviews for broad, critical analysis; systematic reviews for answering focused questions; scoping reviews for mapping research activity; and realist reviews for understanding complex interventions.
3. Selecting the appropriate type of literature review based on your research objectives is crucial for conducting an efficient and effective review that informs evidence-based decision-making in your medical writing projects.
Resources
Literature Review Typologies
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to searching relevant literature
01:03 What literature reviews are and the different types
02:04 Why do a literature review at all
03:18 What type of medical writing projects do literature reviews serve
06:48 Common types of literature reviews
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If you are an education provider, are you curious about how to use social media platforms like X/formerly Twitter to deliver engaging and accredited CME content? If you're a writer, do you want to know more about how to create social-media-based short-form content?
As a medical educator or content creator, you may be looking for innovative ways to reach healthcare professionals where they already spend time - on social media. Episode 111 jumps into the world of "tweetorials" and explores how you can adapt your educational content for platforms like X/Twitter while maintaining the quality and accreditation standards of traditional CME.
Julie Merten PharmD is my guest, a clinical pharmacist at the forefront of medical writing and CME content development at Chimeric Medical Communications. In today's episode, she shares her strategy for distilling complex medical topics into bite-sized educational content. We'll explore how to take a full clinical data paper, sharpen the key messages, and deliver them in a way that not only educates but engages and fosters interaction. What is the role of imagery, ethical considerations, and the importance of tapping into the right medical niches?
Join us to learn more about crafting compelling short-form CME and take your content to the next level on social media!
Takeaways
1. When creating short-form content for social-media-based CME, keep the scope narrow and focused. If a topic is too complex, consider breaking it up into multiple threads or supplementing with other formats like expert videos.
2. Invest time in creating high-quality, engaging visuals that are optimized for mobile viewing. Infographic-style images and square aspect ratios work well for tweetorials.
3. Emojis, design elements, and questioning techniques are practical tools to hook an audience and convey information quickly. If you adopt these stylistic elements, be aware of cultural interpretations and maintain factual accuracy and appropriateness for mobile consumption.
Connect with Julie
Email: [email protected]
Chimeric Medical Communications, LLC
LinkedIn
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
02:29 Introducing Julie
04:02 What a Tweetorial is and how it works
05:27 How long threads have been around
06:53 Crafting a Tweetorial tutorial
08:11 Assessing learner engagement on Tweetorials - how people respond and sign up for them
10:56 Creating private communities on X
11:57 Looking at the interaction of learners in a Tweetorial
13:01 Some of the challenges when creating this short-form content
14:33 Teaching and learning considerations with short-form content
15:45 All about emojis
18:01 Moving from long-form to short-form content
19:55 Figuring out what the key messages are
21:10 The scope for patient cases and tutorials
21:40 Ethical concerns
23:16 Considerations on how Tweetorials are assessed
24:01 Evaluating outcome metrics for Tweetorials
25:42 Finding CME on X as a learner
27:08 Key skills to develop for creating effective accredited education content for social media
31:40 Final thoughts on trying short-form content
32:37 Where to connect with Julie
33:21 Tips for creating short-form content for social media-based CME
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Are you crafting compelling stories of transformation in your CME needs assessments?
As a CME writer, your ability to identify clinical practice gaps and translate them into actionable learning objectives is crucial for creating needs assessments that lead to impactful education. Episode 110 equips you a framework for developing practice and performance gaps and learning objectives for robust needs assessments that justify the need for education.
Tune in to:
Understand what clinical practice and performance gaps are and how to substantiate them through thorough research
Learn a framework for conducting a comprehensive gap analysis to pinpoint the root causes of practice shortfalls
Discover the key components of well-crafted learning objectives and how to align them with desired outcomes
Let's jump in.
Takeaways
1. Use the question-based framework I shared in the episode to conduct a thorough gap analysis, considering the what, why, who, when, where, and how of the identified practice gap. You'll also find a template for gap analysis in the show notes.
2. Ensure your learning objectives are actionable, measurable, relevant, and aligned with the desired outcome level (e.g., knowledge, competence, performance, patient outcomes).
3. Push yourself to create learning objectives that go beyond knowledge gains and foster practical skill application to drive meaningful practice change.
Resources
Gap Analysis Framework
ACS Tips for Writing Learning Objectives
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction
00:38 Identifying clinical practice and performance gaps
07:34 Crafting effective learning objectives
08:03 4 rules of thumb when creating learning objectives
09:37 TLDR on learning objectives
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Are you unknowingly excluding audiences with your medical writing and CME content?
As a CME professional, ensuring that your content reaches and resonates with diverse audiences is crucial. In a field that shapes the clinical practice and well-being of so many, accuracy and accessibility are non-negotiable.
Virginia Chachati, a pharmacist turned medical writer, joins me to explore strategies and best practices for crafting inclusive, accessible content that empowers readers and improves health outcomes.
In EP 109, you’ll:
1. Learn how to optimize your content for people with varying levels of health literacy and digital skills
2. Discover tools and resources to help you create content that meets accessibility standards
3. Understand the impact of inclusive writing on audience engagement and health equity
Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your inclusive content creation skills.
Takeaways
3 Steps you can take toward accessibility and inclusivity.
1. Familiarize yourself with health literacy principles and accessibility guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Patient Information Forum's PIF TICK standard.
2. Audit your existing content for accessibility and inclusivity, identifying areas for improvement and implementing best practices.
3. Continuously educate yourself on inclusive writing strategies by following thought leaders, attending workshops, and engaging with resources shared in the episode's show notes.
Resources
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Patient Information Forum TICK standard
How to Write Clearly by Tom Albrighton
Writing Tools: 55 essential strategies for every writer by Roy Clark
Health literacy as a social determinant of health
National Institutes of Health: What is health literacy?
CME/CE Content Creator's Toolkit
The Utility of Social Media in CME
The Checklist Revolution: Streamlining Healthcare Content for Better Understanding
Cultivating a Visual Mindset: Infographics in Continuing Healthcare Education
Connect with Virginia
LinkedIn
Website
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
02:22 Virginia’s approach to making medical writing accessible and inclusive
08:59 Resources to support accessibility work
13:06 Takeaways from today’s conversation on accessibility and inclusive content creation
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Are you ready to master the art of medical writing and stand out as a CME content creator?
As a medical writer, you know that crafting compelling continuing medical education (CME) content requires a unique set of competencies. But what exactly are these essential skills, and how can you develop them to stand out in this competitive field? In this episode, we'll explore the core abilities that will help you excel as a CME writer and deliver exceptional educational content that meets the needs of both your clients and healthcare professionals.
In this episode, you'll unlock:
1. A breakdown of the essential writing skills needed to articulate complex medical information simply and effectively.
2. A peak into the most valuable sources for compelling and robust needs assessments.
3. How fostering your communication and collaboration abilities prepares you to work seamlessly with clients and subject matter experts to achieve excellence in medical education content.
Discover how to enhance your CME writing expertise—tune in for valuable insights to transform your approach and elevate your industry standing.
Resources
ACCME. Standards for Integrity and Independence in Continuing Education. 2020
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction
00:34 CME writing demands strong foundational writing skills
01:22 You need technical proficiency with reference management software
02:15 Importance of research skills
04:11 Communication and collaboration skills
05:32 Understanding assessment and outcomes frameworks
06:47 Summary of today’s mini-episode
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What challenges and opportunities await US-based CME providers looking to expand into Europe?
As a CME provider, understanding Europe's accreditation landscape and cultural nuances is crucial for successfully delivering education to international audiences. In today’s episode of Write Medicine, Susan Yarbrough joins me in dissecting the complexities of CME in Europe and guiding us through the accreditation mosaic. We’ll explore key considerations and strategies for navigating European CME, including the need for a strong dose of cultural humility.
In episode 107, you’ll:
1. Gain insights into the differences between US and European CME accreditation systems
2. Learn practical advice for partnering with local organizations to deliver relevant education
3. Discover the importance of cultural humility and adaptability when expanding CME offerings internationally
Tune in now to equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to expand your CME programs confidently into Europe and beyond!
Takeaways
While European CME accreditation differs significantly from the US, focusing on approving activities rather than providers, the accreditation landscape in Europe is evolving, with a slow but steady movement towards alignment and reciprocity.
Reciprocal agreements allow for the exchange of CME credits, but disparities in accepting and using CPD credits across jurisdictions remain a concern. As a US-based CME provider, if you want to expand your offerings to Europe and beyond, as a first step, research the accreditation requirements and cultural nuances of your target European countries or regions.
Education providers who want to successfully deliver CME in Europe must cultivate cultural humility as a key ingredient. As a US-based provider, you’ll need to understand local guidelines, perform a gap analysis and needs assessment, and have a local footprint to effectively deliver education that is appropriately accredited and tailored to the European audience.
Connect with Susan
Email: [email protected]
Instagram
Abbreviations
EACCME: European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (
ECMEC®: The American Medical Association (AMA) has an agreement to mutually recognize continuing medical education (CME) credit with the European Union of Medical Specialties (UEMS). Physicians (MDs, DOs, or equivalent international degree holders) may apply to the AMA to have their EACCME European CME Credits (ECMEC®s) converted to AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.
Resources
Ghidinellli M, Pozniak E, Kolanko C, Wilson S. The ongoing challenges faced by providers of CME-CPD in Europe. J CME. 2023;12(1)
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
02:44 Introducing Susan
03:50 Some of the key challenges she sees in accreditation domestically
05:26 Updated guidelines for virtual credit in EACME 3.0
10:03 Differences and similarities between European and US accreditation
12:30 Impact of territoriality on CME content
15:51 Uniformity or standardization for reciprocal agreements in CME accreditation
17:13 Independence in Europe versus the US
21:48 Why the ABPI is attached to having control over content
24:26 How US education providers go about addressing specific needs and gaps in Europe
28:35 What tactical changes may look like to be an effective educator
31:03 Winners and losers in European accreditation
33:34 The extent of international and global CME and how is that going to change
36:03 Susan’s practical advice for CME providers
37:50 Key takeaways from today’s episode
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Are you trapped in the generalist rut as a medical writer? Discover the power of nourishing your niche in CME writing.
Specializing in CME writing can help you crack the client mindset code, build authority, generate higher revenue, and optimize your marketing efforts. This Monday Mentor episode explores how focusing on CME can lead to a thriving medical writing career and help you:
1. Understand the rewards and risks of specializing in CME writing
2. Learn how to identify and develop your CME niche based on your skills and interests
3. Discover strategies to market your CME writing services effectively and command higher rates
Ready to take your medical writing career to the next level? Grab this niche discovery checklist to start exploring your CME writing niche today!
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction to niche specialization
01:33 Breaking down the benefits of nourishing a niche
04:45 Overcoming concerns and challenges of specializing
06:57 When and how to find a niche
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Are you a medical writer struggling to stay competitive and confident in the rapidly evolving industry landscape?
Experienced medical writer and educator Michelle Guillemard shares her insights today on how aspiring and established medical writers can navigate the challenges of an increasingly crowded field, economic fluctuations, and the rise of AI writing tools. Whether you're looking to break into medical writing, specialize in a niche, or future-proof your skills, Michelle's advice will help you chart a path to success and fulfillment in your writing career.
Listen to this episode to discover:
Strategies for differentiating yourself and targeting your ideal clients in a competitive market
Tips for staying up-to-date with industry trends, health communication best practices, and emerging technologies
Insights on building confidence, resilience, and a well-rounded lifestyle as a freelance medical writer
Tune in now to learn how you can thrive as a medical writer in 2023 and beyond and gain the knowledge and inspiration you need to take your career to the next level.
Takeaways
1. Identify your niche: Reflect on your unique skills, interests, and background to determine your specialization in medical writing. Develop a targeted marketing message and online presence that communicates your expertise to potential clients.
2. Curate your learning: Set aside dedicated time to stay informed about the latest trends, best practices, and technologies in medical writing. Focus on resources that align with your niche and goals, such as industry blogs, newsletters, webinars, and journals.
3. Embrace AI as a tool: Familiarize yourself with AI writing tools and explore ways to incorporate them into your writing process. Experiment with using AI to generate outlines, edit sentences, or streamline your brainstorming while maintaining your commitment to quality, evidence-based content.
Connect with Michelle
Health Writer Hub
LinkedIn
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
02:47 Introducing Michelle
05:11 Her medical writing journey
09:45 Exploring the changes: Insights on who’s moving into the field, their motivations, and what that means for training and professional development
15:47 Specialization as a benefit in developing business
19:15 Crucial strategies for writers to help them stay resilient during times of economic fluctuation
23:29 Resources to help keep pace with industry trends
27:24 Designing effective medical writing courses
33:25 Is AI a threat or an opportunity in medical writing?
40:02 Key takeaways from Michelle’s episode
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Are you measuring educational outcomes but failing to capture the true impact on your learners? As a CME/CPD professional, you know that proving the effectiveness of your educational programs is crucial. But in the rush to gather data and report metrics, it's easy to overlook the individual learner's experience and perspective. Relying solely on quantitative measurements can cause you to miss valuable insights that could help enhance your activities and programs.
In this episode, physician and longtime medical educator Dr. Dean Jenkins shares:
1. Why it's essential to focus on the learner's needs and desired outcomes when designing education
2. The importance of qualitative data in capturing the complexity of healthcare and the learner's voice
3. How defining your target outcomes upfront can improve your learning design and measurement approach
Tune in to discover how putting the learner at the center of your outcomes strategy can help you deliver more impactful and meaningful education!
Takeaways
CME must evolve to meet learners' complex and personalized needs, incorporating a more dynamic, qualitative approach to assess learning outcomes.
The CME field has been steadily shifting toward valuing outcomes beyond attendance and satisfaction for over a decade. However, analyzing the collected data and using it to improve the learning experience further remains challenging. Standardization of outcomes measurement is vital for the professionalization of CME/CPD.
Sharing insights and validated findings within the CME/CPD community is beneficial and necessary to foster improvement in education and patient care. Engaging with the broader community of educators, learners, and health professionals through discussion forums, journals, or social media networks is valuable. Share your findings, experiences, and strategies for measuring and improving educational outcomes, as Dean Jenkins does through his work with Outcomes Engine.
Connect with Dean
[email protected]
Outcomes Engine
Time Stamps
(02:41) - Introducing Dean
(07:28) - How to package education for learners in ways to address learners' needs and learning styles
(09:22) - Some of the strategies that he uses to determine what those needs are
(13:59) - What Dean is talking about when talking about Pharma-led education
(18:24) - Evolution of measuring and evaluation: assessing learning effectiveness across these different contexts
(20:50) - His involvement in the Outcomes Standardization Project
(21:56) - How Dean sees the field moving forward in terms of outcomes measurement, evaluation, and analysis
(25:12) - His thoughts on whether we are headed toward internal capacity building within the field.
(27:58) - The degree of collaboration between medical affairs teams and colleagues in independent medical education in Europe and the UK
(29:40) - What is Outcomes Engine, and why it’s important
(31:50) - Capturing the learner's voice
(33:26) - How Outcomes Engine will capture the learner’s voice
(35:10) - Dean’s final thoughts
(36:37) - Key takeaways
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Are you unknowingly sabotaging your spine health every time you sit down to write?
As a medical writer, you pour your mental energy into crafting high-quality documents. But while you're focused on engaging your mind, your body may suffer silently.
Poor posture, repetitive movements, and prolonged periods of sitting can lead to neck strain, back pain, and other musculoskeletal problems that impact your physical well-being and ability to think clearly and creatively.
In this episode of Monday Mentor, chiropractor, researcher and medical writer Peter Stein PhD, DC shares some of his insights about spine health, including:
1. How your spine supports your cognitive performance and creativity as a writer
2. Practical strategies for integrating better ergonomics and physical variety into your writing routine
3. Quick and simple "micro-breaks" you can take to alleviate spine tension, even when racing to meet a deadline
Don't let poor spine health derail your writing - tune in now to give your body the same attention and care you give your words!
Time Stamps
(01:24) - Introducing Peter
(02:15) - Spine health importance for writers
(07:51) - His insights on injuries that stem from keyboard work
(11:31) - Some of the immediate and actionable things that writers can do to protect, support, and promote spine health.
(15:46) - Connecting with work tools
(17:23) - Other ways we can integrate movement into our everyday routine
(20:42) - Things Peter sees as being important for spine health in general
(23:59) - His final thoughts on spine health
(26:24) - Key takeaways from Monday Mentor
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If you are a medical writer my guess is that you occasionally struggle to engage your target audience. Health professionals have less time and shorter attention spans, making it critical for medical writers to master storytelling techniques that get their audiences interested and engaged with content, whether we’re talking about slide decks, manuscripts, or omni-channel content.
My guest in episode 102 is Eleanor Steele, also known as MedComms Mentor, who shares how she transitioned from agency work to running a successful freelance business in medical communications. Join us to learn more about the gaps Eleanor identified in the market for specialized training and development and get practical advice from Eleanor about:
Storytelling frameworks that support a logical flow of information and answer audience questions
How to frame content around audience needs and interests
The skills you need to write "bite-sized" short-form content optimized for different formats
This conversation with Eleanor is part of our first Friday series, which profiles medical writers and how they have broken into the field. It's also the last episode of season 7.
Resources
Content Alchemy. Tip Sheet for Medical Writers
Connect with Eleanor
Email: [email protected]
Website
YouTube
Time Stamps
(03:47) - Eleanor’s journey and transition into Medical Communications
(06:02) - Some of the gaps she’s seeing in the training and professional development market for medical writers
(07:39) - What Eleanor does and who she does it for
(11:57) - What she encourages writers to do to learn a little bit more about the audience they’re writing for
(16:31) - Navigating the challenges for writers with limited clinical exposure
(20:03) - Storytelling frameworks
(22:44) - The main challenges Eleanor sees in ongoing training and professional development
(25:53) - Her YouTube Channel: MedComms Mentor
(31:07) - Key challenges she sees for freelance medical writers
(33:37) - The future of MedComms
(36:15) - A shift towards not only engagement but outcomes in the omni-channel assets
(38:47) - Where to connect with Eleanor
Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast for more valuable insights on continuing medical education content for health professionals. Click the Follow button and subscribe on your favorite platform. -
Have you ever wondered how biases in medical research and education can significantly impact women's health and health in the LGBTQ+ community? Do you want to learn how you as a CME/CPD professional can promote inclusive and equitable language in your work, and why this is important in CME content creation?
My guest today is Caitlyn Tivy DPT, a physical therapist, medical writer, and femtech pioneer. In today's episode, episode 101, we explore concrete ways CME/CPD professionals can help propel a shift toward more inclusive and equitable education and, ultimately, patient care. Caitlyn shares where harm has been done to women and LGBTQ+ patients through exclusion and bias in everything from clinical trials to medical curricula and terminology. We explore the real-world consequences of these biases, such as the underdiagnosis of heart attacks in women and the mismanagement of endometriosis.
This episode is a call to action for us as CME/CPD professionals to embrace inclusivity and equity in our work.
Takeaways
1. Inclusive language matters in CME/CPD, and why it's crucial for education activities and content to challenge biases and gaps in healthcare and medicine.
2. Femtech extends beyond reproduction and includes technology and services for various health conditions.
3. CME/CPD professionals can influence an education shift toward women's health and address care for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Action Steps
1. Educate yourself on how to use inclusive language in CME/CPD. Consider enrolling in an AMWA course or reading resources like "Sex Matters" and "Invisible Women."
2. Engage in conversations with supervisors or peers to advocate for inclusive language and gender-inclusive care in CME and to identify the under-representation of women's health, LGBTQ+ health, and marginalized groups in CME.
3. Explore opportunities to include information about gender and sex-inclusive care in CME/CPD and contribute to creating a more comprehensive and inclusive healthcare education landscape.
Resources
Grab your copy of the CME/CE Content Creator's Inclusion Toolkit
Clayton JA, Tannenbaum C. Reporting sex, gender, or both in clinical research? JAMA. 316(18):1863-1864.
McGregor AJ. Sex Matters: How male-centric medicine endangers women's health and what we can do about it. Hachette Go, 2020.
Perez CC. Invisible Women: Data bias in a world designed for men. Abrams Press, 2019.
Redwood Ink. Inclusive Language Course
Every R, Napolitan C, Wilson T. Improving Patient Care for the LGBTQ+ Community Through Continuing Education. Alliance Almanac. Feb 20, 2024.
Time Stamps
(02:55) - Addressing biases in clinical practice and education
(09:54) - The role that continuing education plays in starting to shift this narrative away from women's health
(16:27) - Caitlyn’s perspective on funding driving content
(20:44) - Resources she recommends to writers to help them get up to speed on inclusive and equitable language
(24:27) - Approaching research with a specific patient population in mind
(28:09) - What Femtech is and why it’s important
(29:34) - Caitlyn’s hope for providers who work in healthcare
(32:05) - Femtech: growing field beyond women's health issues
(34:01) - Caitlyn’s final thoughts
(37:23) - Putting today's insights into action
Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast for more valuable insights on continuing medical education content for health professionals. Click the Follow button and subscribe on your favorite platform. -
We’ve reached a major milestone here at the Write Medicine podcast – episode 100.
When I started this podcast, my mission was to foster a spirit of community, connection, and support among peers and colleagues in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. This mission has evolved and is increasingly focused on providing you. Write Medicine friend, with practical strategies and tools to advance your career and support your work as a CME/CPD professional, whether you are a planner, strategist, analyst, reviewer, or writer.
So to celebrate making it to episode 100, I've compiled 100 tips covered by our conversations on the podcast. Consider today's episode the cheatsheet you need to:
- Optimize CME programming, evaluation, and modalities
- Craft high-quality content
- Master efficient research strategies
- Grow as a CME/CPD professional
Take what serves you in your journey from this curated list across 10 key categories that this podcast explores.
Time Stamps
(01:26) Writing and content creation tips
(02:37) Research and evidence tips
(04:04) Career development tips
(05:32) Communication and collaboration tips
(06:52) Industry insight tips
(08:18) Personal growth and productivity tips
(09:43) Ethics and professionalism tips
(11:00) Professional development tips
(12:30) Navigating challenges tips
(13:41) Technology tips
(15:20) Next up on Write Medicine
Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast for more valuable insights on continuing medical education content for health professionals. Click the Follow button and subscribe on your favorite platform. -
Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of scientific breakthroughs? Is the future of science at risk in the digital age? Like many fields, science is undergoing rapid changes in the digital era that could compromise integrity and innovation. As consumers of scientific knowledge, we all have a vested interest in an effective system. Join us in episode 99 as we explore the evolving world of science in the digital age, with insights from biochemist and former Cell editor, Ben Lewin.
In this episode, you'll:
Gain insight into flaws in the scientific publishing process involving peer review, preprints, and the "publish or perish" paradigm.
Understand concerns over reproducibility, questionable research practices, and the influence of money in shaping projects.
Learn how technology and A.I. are transforming science into a data-driven numbers game obsessed with quantity over quality.
Don't miss this illuminating discussion on the complex forces that could undermine science in the 21st century.
Transcript
Takeaways
1. Science is not a linear, seamless process. Despite the perception of scientific progress as a smooth and consistent journey, it is often messy and characterized by zigzagging developments. The public needs to understand the principles and limitations of the scientific process to demystify the black box image of science.
2. There are emerging concerns about the influence of artificial intelligence, the shift towards "big science," and the potential lack of revolutionary ideas in scientific research due to the pressure to publish safer and more reliable work. Scientists are also at risk of becoming data-generating technicians rather than pursuing innovative questions and answers.
3. Criticisms have been raised regarding the hierarchy of scientific journals, the peer review system, and the prevalence of predatory journals. Despite its flaws, the current system of scientific publishing is considered the best available option for disseminating scientific knowledge.
Resources
Lewin B. Inside Science: Revolution in Biology and its Impact. Long Island, NY: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. 2023.
Time Stamps
(02:47) - Introducing Ben
(06:33) - What we should be understanding about science
(08:20) - Inside Ben’s book, Inside Science: Revolution in Biology and Its Impact
(10:04) - The art of presenting scientific work
(12:15) - The pressure to publish in science
(14:23) - His thoughts on how science should proceed in the future with publishing
(17:51) - Ben’s view on peer review
(19:48) - His take on the peer review process
(22:30) - His thoughts on the preprint problems during the pandemic
(24:16) - The path for young scientists to get published in appropriate journals
(26:26) - The key changes in scientific conduct that Ben’s been able to trace
(29:37) - Concerns in modern science
(35:13) - Ben’s key takeaways from Inside Science
(37:09) - Highlights from today’s episode
Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast for more valuable insights on continuing medical education content for health professionals. Click the Follow button and subscribe on your favorite platform. - Visa fler
